RGS & AWS Welcome New Biologist for WI, MN, IA & IL

Coraopolis, Pa. - The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS) are excited to announce the selection of Jonathan E. Steigerwaldt as the new regional wildlife biologist/forest wildlife specialist coordinator for Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. In this important position, Jonathan will enhance healthy forests that benefit forest wildlife and preserve our sporting traditions for future generations throughout his region.

As regional wildlife biologist, Jonathan will provide leadership, education and outreach to further RGS/AWS habitat program efforts that create early successional forest habitat and that provide for thriving ruffed grouse and American woodcock populations on public and private forestlands in his region. He will also coordinate the RGS/AWS forest wildlife specialist program, supporting the two forest wildlife specialists in Wisconsin that enhance private land forest habitat development in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR), and will assist other staff members with developing additional forest wildlife specialist positions in other states.

“I am very pleased with the addition of Jonathan to the respected Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society biologist team,” said RGS/AWS Director of Conservation Policy Brent Rudolph. “He comes to us with a lot of passion, impressive background of education and work experience and the skills necessary to make a difference for the future of healthy forest management in his region.”

Jonathan grew up on a certified Tree Farm and earned his bachelor’s degree in forest management from the University Wisconsin, Stevens Point (UWSP). He worked in the Wisconsin County Forests Association for several years before deciding to go back to school to earn a master’s of science in natural resources from UWSP. There he studied ecosystem responses to prescribed fire and timber harvesting treatments. These included wildlife use, insect populations, vegetation responses and tree studies. He has also held forestry positions with WI DNR and has a number of years of experience as a private forestry consultant, a Wisconsin cooperating forester and as a certified management plan writer. Importantly, he also has a passion for public outreach, education and has served as an instructor of forestry for a variety of subjects including dendrology, land measurements, ecological basis for natural resources management, plant identification, GIS, and fisheries, forestry and wildlife management.

“I am extremely excited to further my passion for stewardship of natural resources through this position with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society,” Jonathan said. “I look forward to building on my prior work experiences and training to perpetuate and enhance our mission to create healthy forests that benefit forest wildlife in my region.”

Jonathan resides in Spooner, Wisconsin and will officially start his position on July 30, 2018. He can be contacted at JonS@RuffedGrouseSociety.org or (412) 720-6033.

***Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society are North America’s foremost conservation organizations dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. RGS and AWS work with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat utilizing scientific management practices.

More about the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, mission and programs can be found at www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.

Mission Statement

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is North America's foremost conservation organization dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. RGS works with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat utilizing scientific management practices.